The Kitchen Table

Here is our grown-up Gracie enjoying some scrambled eggs, voluntarily, for the first time in her life. It had to be documented. While I was doing that, I thought I might ask for some input on our kitchen table.

It's nothin fancy. Robby got it for free from a family that somehow ruined the finish and were getting rid of it. We've had it since our apartment days. Back then, the finish never bothered us. We didn't eat enough meals at the table to warrant any fuss about it.

It was thrust into the central part of our home when we moved here so she's had quite a bit of use over the past 6 months. Somewhere along the way, between the use and the cleaning, the table has developed some kind of sticky coating that cannot be removed.

I know nothing in the way of refinishing furniture except how to put new handles on an old dresser. Does anyone have an idea of the problem I'm dealin with and how I might remedy it? The tacky surface is only getting worse every time I clean it and I'm tired of picking off the left-over lint after it's been wiped down.

Cinderella

"It feels like I just swept this driveway.

How did it get so dirty so fast?!

I swear, my work is never done."

Utopia

Our corn's comin in real nice this year.

These Are THE Cookies

These are Audrey's Chocolate Chip Cookies. I made this batch but Audrey is the mastermind behind them. Robby says they are the best cookies he's ever had in his life and has decided these are the only cookies I should ever make. I think they are so good because they are the only cookies I mix with my hands, therefore, the one's I add the most love to. Plus, Audrey is the sweetest person you will ever meet. That has to have something to do with it.

Audrey's Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup butter flavor shortening

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

*Cream.

2 1/3 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

*Mix seperately, then mix in.

*Add 2 cups Chocolate Chip Cookies (Milk Chocolate, not semi-sweet)

*Roll into balls. Bake at 375 degrees on ungreased baking sheet for 8 minutes.

Good on their own or dipped in a cold glass of milk. I promise you will never find a better recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Come over and try them. Go on, I dare ya!

Ballerina Baby

This was the best shot of her I could get amongst all her turns and trips and what not. She got this cute little outfit from her cousin, Lilly, and has worn it for the past 18 hours straight. She likes to run up to me and say, "Look, mom! I'm Lilly!" Then does a turn on her toes with her hands above her head.

She certainly has potential, if I could just figure out how to harness that endless supply of energy she has. She does like to help me do the laundry and likes to see how many things she can pick up and put into a basket from one room.

We are slowly workin our way to happy cooperation.

A Lot of Love

First of all, thank you so much to everyone who was thinking about me and praying for me yesterday. It was amazing to feel so much love from so many people and honestly, it helped carry me through my day. The whole experience was another witness to me about how miraculous combined faith for one person can be. Thank you again.

Someone sent me a box full of sunshine to brighten my day last week. It was so cheerful and happy and I almost cried when I opened it. It's so easy to make some one's day just a little bit better if we really pay attention. And it consequently makes our own lives better to see other's improve.

Being happy is so much better than being sad and angry. For everyone.

Happy Birthday Gus

Not doin as well as I thought I would.

Not sure what to do about that.

The day will end one way or another.

Thinkin About This Boy

Each year brings new clarity, new pain, and new understanding.

I'm not sure what I would do if I didn't have the gospel and

the unique ability to know when his spirit is near me.

I'm so blessed and grateful for that bit of understanding.

In that sense, I do get to keep him the rest of my life.

Only he's teaching me instead of me teaching him.

Either way, he's in my life and I love him.

She's Just Hyperactive

Because she will listen to directions when consequences follow without biting or hitting, she doesn't have any form of anything that would require medication in the future.

We went to her pediatrician seeking help and it's a good thing my mind was open and ready to hear constructive criticism because he really layed into me. He is so great, though. He suggested some books, recommended a dentist and told me how to structure Gracie's days so maybe next time she won't tear the paper off the exam table in the doctor's office.

The book he suggested that I'm currently reading is:

John Rosemond's Six-Point Plan for Raising Happy, Healthy Children

It's rigid.

It's very no-nonsense.

And it's completely different from

any other parenting book I've ever read.

I haven't decided if that's a

good or bad thing yet but here are the six points;

talk amongst yourselves:

1. Put your marriage first.

2. Expect your children to obey.

3. Establish responsibility by assigning chores.

4. Don't be afraid to tell your children "no."

5. Eliminate unnecessary toys.

6. Encourage creativity by minimizing TV viewing.

It's all very upfront and to the point

but it doesn't account for

a hyperactive child or

a parent with issues.

It will take me some time

to adopt my own method of parenting,

but this guy seems to have it all figured out.

Once I finish the book,

maybe I can form an opinion on

this man and his methods.

I just need to get all the parenting

information into my brain as quickly as possible

so I can formulate a way of parenting that

works for me and my family.

His 80s family portrait

(complete with wonderfully patterned sweaters)

may tip the scales.

Cozy and Beautiful

My wonderful friends, Wes and Lyndsay, have allowed me to borrow their Organ that was Wes' Grandmother's. They didn't want to tote it all the way to LA so I lovingly offered to house it for them while they are away. I love it! It reminds me of one my Grandma Holmes had and just looking at those multi-colored switches makes me feel all warm inside.

I also love the fact that because it was Wes' Grandmother's, I'm required to take impeccable care of it and Gracie is never allowed to touch it. It will always be a special place in our home where warm, yummy songs are played. I was given the music that came with the organ and I have a friend who can teach me how to play. My aspiration is to be a temple organist.

Thank you to the entire Johnson Family for giving me this wonderful opportunity to take care of your beautiful family heirloom. I promise to use it gently and love it whole-heartedly for as long as I'm allowed to have it in my home.